What to Expect

Initial Paperwork
The first step for a new chiropractic patient is filling out a complete health history form. Old injuries, chronic problems, and the patient’s present symptoms are recorded on the form for study.

All members of the staff are always available to answer any questions the patient may have.

Consultation
After reviewing the health history, Dr. Coberly meets with the patient to discuss the nature of the problems and their onset. Additionally, Dr. Guy determines how the problems can be best treated through chiropractic care.

Examination, Tests, and X-rays
You will receive a thorough examination. Computerized diagnostic equipment is a regular part of the physical exam. As well, reflexes, range of motion, and other chiropractic tests are performed.

The chiropractic examination includes full-length x-rays of the spine, an important innovation of chiropractic. These standing x-rays show the spine in its natural weight-bearing state.

Subluxations are determined by careful analysis of the x-rays, palpation of the soft tissue of the spine, range of motion studies and tests with instruments.

Explanation
After Dr. Coberly has studied the health history and x-rays, he meets again with the patient to explain the results of the exam and the recommended course of chiropractic care. A complete information panel is available along with other instructional aids so that any and all questions the patient may have can be answered. Dr. Coberly will also explain the spine and subluxations. As the nerve chart shows, each nerve root serves a certain portion of the body and its organs. Impairment of its functions can cause or complicate many disease processes.

The adjustment or correction of a subluxation is the means of care provided by the chiropractor. Here, Dr. Coberly is shown adjusting a vertebrae in the lower neck. Padded tables of several types are used for adjusting, including mechanized versions, which accommodate a wide variety of postures.

The first adjustment begins to restore the vertebra to its natural position. The soft tissues, the muscles and ligaments, are stretched when the vertebra is in an unnatural position, so these tissues must have time to rehabilitate. Normally, proper muscle tone, ligament position, and the shape of the vertebrae will keep the vertebrae in place and functioning normally.

Most patients will have a treatment period ranging over a few months and will continue chiropractic care on a regular basis so they will benefit from the kind of health preservation that chiropractic provides.

Gentle Care
The modern chiropractor can be called on to provide care for patients of all ages. Children are the easiest to help, for their spinal problems are not long-standing, and they respond quickly. There is no age limit on those who might benefit from chiropractic care, and many patients come with long-standing problems that other healing avenues have not been able to help. In many cases like these patients at last find relief because chiropractic treats the cause of the problem rather than its effect.